TCPalm entertainment reporter Laurie K. Blandford, a Fort Pierce native, loves to enjoy the salt water of the Atlantic Ocean when the weather conditions allow on the Treasure Coast. Her favorite place in the area has remained the same her entire life.
Q: What is your favorite spot?
Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is the official name, but it was known as “Pay Beach” growing up, and now I call it the “North Jetty.” My mom, who also grew up going to the same beach, started taking me there as a baby. As a kid, I built sand castles and climbed the jetty rocks along the inlet. As a teen, I’d park at the “fourth boardwalk” to watch the surfers — never knowing I’d end up learning to surf in my 30s!
Laurie K. Blandford in her element, surfing at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park.
Q: Describe your spot.
The beach is unique because the Fort Pierce Inlet on Florida’s East Coast creates a buildup of sand on the north side, as well as waves. The beach changes as the tide goes in and out throughout the day, but the jagged rocks of the north jetty stay the same. Pick one of the four seagrape-lined sandy paths down to the beach to set up your chairs or blankets. The “first boardwalk” closest to the rocks is a popular choice.
Q: What do you do there?
It’s one of the best surfing spots on the East Coast, attracting surfers from across the state when the waves are pumping. That’s when it’s definitely not for beginners, and I’d recommend other beaches for that. I always look at the conditions online via webcam before going to decide if I need to bring my shortboard for the bigger waves or my longboard for the smaller waves. During the flat summer months, the north jetty becomes one of the best snorkeling spots when the visibility is clear and the water is calm. I’ve spotted nurse sharks and the biggest snook I’ve ever seen.
Q: What is the cost?
It’s a state park that’s open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown. The cost is $6 per vehicle for up to eight people; $4 per single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle; and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists or extra passengers. I recommend taking advantage of the Florida State Parks annual entrance pass, which can be used across the state.
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Email her at laurie.blandford@tcpalm.com. Sign up for her What To Do in 772 weekly newsletter at profile.tcpalm.com/newsletters/manage.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Surfing, snorkeling at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park beach